Can karst aquifer for public supply threatened by lead smelting be sustainably managed? Part I: Evidence from lead isotopes

Key Points

• Contamination poses serious risks for public supply, jeopardizing access to clean water resources.
• Lead isotopes indicate the level of pollution in karst aquifers from nearby smelting activities.
• Analysis of lead isotopes was conducted around several karst aquifers in affected regions.
• Sustainable management strategies are essential to protect groundwater quality from industrial pollution.